TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 5, 2024
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Jose Salazar vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 21 WC 34583, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $82,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Jose Salazar is a Maintenance Laborer A, working at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On May 27, 2021, he reported that while walking down from the dumpster catwalk after checking the dumpster he felt pain in his right knee. On the date of the incident, Mr. Salazar sought treatment at Macneal Hospital Emergency Department. He was taken off work effective May 28, 2021, and returned to work on May 30, 2021.
Mr. Salazar was taken off work again on June 5, 2021, and had an MRI of his right knee on June 14, 2021, revealing a tear of the medial meniscus, and stress fracture of the tibia. He had surgery on August 12, 2021. Mr. Salazar returned to work on December 15, 2021.
Mr. Salazar continued to have problems with his right knee and was off work again on July 20, 2022. He had knee replacement surgery on September 29, 2022. Mr. Salazar returned to work on January 12, 2023.
Mr. Salazar was paid a total of 52.6 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $59,361.73.
Mr. Salazar filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can now be settled for a total of $82,000.00, representing approximately 43.75% loss of use the right leg. This settlement will close out future lost time, and medical benefits associated with this injury.
The Director of Human Resources believes this settlement is in the best interest of the District and requests payment of that sum be approved and he be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, Thaddeus J. Kosowski, Director of Human Resources, TJK:BLW:DMG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 5, 2024